Eswatini's Under-23 national team, led by Coach Friday Myeni, has departed for Malawi ahead of their high-stakes match at the Bingu National Stadium. The team aims to secure a victory in the first leg of the Under-23 AFCON qualifiers, which also serves as a pathway to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The match is set to kick off at 3 pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The Eswatini team has been preparing for the match, with Coach Myeni emphasizing that his players will take the game directly to the hosts rather than adopting a defensive approach. He stressed that their mission is clear: to make the nation proud by securing a win. The team has been drawn from various leagues, including the MTN Premier League, NFD, Regional Super Leagues, and school structures.
Malawi's Junior Flames, guided by Head Coach Bob Mpinganjira, enter the two-legged tie with a strengthened selection. The hosts have been boosted by the return of several players who recently served with the senior national team, alongside emerging talent. This presents a formidable obstacle for the Eswatini team in front of a home crowd at Bingu National Stadium.
Coach Myeni, assisted by Musa Manyatsi, is pinning his hopes on key players such as Luyanda Nhlengetfwa and Njongo 'Jakalazi' Mazibuko from Nsingizini Hotspurs, and Malwande Gwebu from Manzini Wanderers. These players are expected to steer the team towards maximum points. The Eswatini team's attacking quality will be crucial in carving out an early advantage.
The Under-23 AFCON final tournament will be held in Egypt in late 2027, serving as the ultimate qualification stage for the 2028 Summer Olympics. The Eswatini team's performance in the qualifiers will determine their chances of participating in the continental tournament and the Olympic Games.
The match against Malawi is a crucial step towards achieving the team's goals. A win will make the return leg more manageable, while a loss could complicate their chances of qualification. The Eswatini team's determination and preparation will be put to the test as they face a tough opponent in Malawi.
The team has garnered support from the nation, with fans eagerly awaiting the match. The Eswatini Football Association (EFA) has been working to ensure the team's preparation and participation in the qualifiers. The team's performance will be closely monitored, with the nation hoping for a positive outcome.
Key points
- The Eswatini U-23 team's match against Malawi is a crucial step towards continental qualification and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
- Coach Friday Myeni has emphasized that his team will take the game directly to the hosts, rather than adopting a defensive approach.
- The team's performance will determine their chances of participating in the Under-23 AFCON final tournament in Egypt and the Olympic Games.
